Grant Avenue Studio spared as fire damages 3 homes
Fire marshal to probe $1 million-plus blaze
A fire ripped through three homes on Grant Avenue late Monday afternoon, causing more than $1 million in damage.
The blaze broke out at 34 Grant Ave. just before 5 p.m., but quickly spread to the homes on either side — 32 and 36 Grant Ave. — causing significant damage to all three properties.
“We’re looking at well over a million dollars in damage,” said fire department spokesperson Claudio Mostacci.
Crews were forced out of 34 Grant Ave. because of the heat and flames, which were shooting out of the roof, as well as 36 Grant Ave., because of the structure’s instability, said Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe. Smoke filled the street, which was blocked off at Main Street East.
After finding no one in those three houses, firefighters turned their attention to 38 Grant Ave., which is home to the recording business Grant Avenue Studio.
“We’re very aware of ... the significance to the city of Hamilton,” Cunliffe said.
Firefighters tried to cover the equipment inside and, as of 6 p.m., he said there was no smoke
or water damage inside the building. Mostacci later said crews were able to stop the fire from spreading to the studio.
Firefighters knocked down the bulk of the fire by 8:30 p.m., but
stayed to douse spot fires.
“It’s going to be a long night here,” Cunliffe said. “Crews will be on scene for awhile.”
The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal has been called in to
investigate to help determine the cause of the blaze. Cunliffe said no firefighters or civilians had been injured.
The Red Cross is on scene to help displaced occupants find
accommodations.
Some witnesses reported hearing popping sounds in the neighbourhood, which Mostacci said stemmed from barbecue propane tanks at the back of the homes.